Allen struggling to meet expectations

Snipped from the pages of a newspaper, the yellowed photograph depicts Allen – doing his best to remain stoic – getting an earful from Boston veteran Kevin Garnett, whose lips might as well be pressed against the side of Allen’s head.

That was Year 1. Allen went from a reserve at the end of the 76ers’ bench to one of their key contributors in a postseason trip that lasted two rounds, including a seven-game jaunt with Garnett and the Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

So what’s Allen learned in his sophomore go-around?

“What have I learned? I mean, what have I learned? That’s a good question,” Allen said the other day.

And … “Uhh, nothing really,” he said. “I didn’t have to do any rookie duties this year, so that’s good, I guess.”

Allen’s season has been puzzling. After upping his rookie season per-game averages during a strong postseason showing, he earned a two-year contract worth $6 million. Ever since, it’s been a bit disappointing. The all-time leading rebounder at Temple, Allen has reached double-digit rebounds only three times this season. The 6-9 forward, who’s had to play the pivot at times, relies on his outside shooting game a little too frequently considering how close to the basket the Sixers have needed him to play.

Allen is averaging 5.9 points and 5.0 rebounds in 75 games for the Sixers (31-47), who visit Washington tonight.

“We need him to have a much better year (next season),” said Sixers coach Doug Collins. “We need him. Our big guys are so important to what we’re trying to do. … We need (Allen) to make a big jump, too. It never comes down to whether he’s talented enough.”

Expectations were rather lofty for Allen heading into the season. They became even loftier after Andrew Bynum’s season in the injury report forced Allen to spend his season playing out of position. It also made Allen, a nice role player off the bench, transition into a starting role and having to match up with some of the league’s finest post players.

On a few occasions this season, Collins has challenged Allen publicly. In press conferences, Collins has questioned whether Allen has the internal drive – what Collins calls “the motor” – to succeed and continue to develop at this level.

“I thought automobiles had motors. I didn’t know people had them. Nah, I’m just joking,” Allen said, with a subtle deadpan. “I don’t know. I mean, I don’t know.

“There’s very few people whose expectations I worry about. That’s all I’ve got for you.”

Allen has experienced a tremendous year on a personal level. He and his girlfriend welcomed their first child, a son, in December. And, obviously, there’s that two-year contract Allen picked up in the offseason. Working toward the next contract, however, will require more production from Allen.

“It’s all on him,” said the Sixers’ Damien Wilkins, a nine-year vet who came into the league as an undrafted rookie. “He can’t control his minutes or opportunities, but he can control what he does with the opportunities. Trust me, I’ve been there. … I learned something every year. That’s what I’d tell Lavoy. At the end of the day, it’s not what I say. He’s got to be his toughest critic.”